Online Sex Therapy in North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia | Couples and Individual Intimacy Counseling
Compassionate, Expert Support for Sexual Concerns and Intimacy Challenges
Sex isn't always easy. Sometimes desire doesn't match, confidence dips, or past experiences make intimacy feel… complicated. (And yes, that includes your weird schedule, hormonal changes, and the lingering effects of your high-control religious upbringing.)
If you're looking for compassionate, judgment-free support with sexual concerns, you've come to the right place. I provide online sex therapy to individuals and couples throughout North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy focused on sexual concerns, intimacy struggles, and relationship dynamics connected to sexuality. It's more than "talking about sex" — it blends psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and relational systems. (Yes, we can talk about sex and keep it smart.)
A sex therapist creates a safe, shame-free space where sensitive conversations can happen — and yes, you can say the words out loud without me fainting.
Why Specialized Training Matters
Sex therapy requires advanced training in human sexuality, anatomy, sexual dysfunctions, trauma, and relational dynamics. It's not just about being nice — though we are nice — it's about knowing the science, psychology, and techniques to make real change happen.
This training also allows me to support non-traditional and LGBTQIA+ relationships with depth — understanding unique dynamics, identity factors, and cultural context.
Yes, I've done my homework; no, it's not just a rainbow sticker on the door.
Mismatched desire and arousal concerns:
Mismatched desire between partners ("Why do they want it when I don't… and vice versa?")
Low libido or loss of sexual interest
Difficulty reaching orgasm or maintaining arousal
Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
Performance anxiety or erectile concerns
Impact of medication, health conditions, or aging on sexual function
Common Sexual Concerns I Address; Sex Can Feel Tricky for a Lot of Reasons.
Physical pain and medical concerns:
Painful sex (dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia)
Sexual concerns related to chronic illness, disability, or medication side effects
Impact of medication, health conditions, or aging on sexual experience
Life transitions like perinatal changes, menopause, or infertility
Emotional and psychological barriers:
Anxiety, shame, or guilt around sexual expression
Performance anxiety or fear of "not being good enough"
Feeling disconnected or "off the same page" in intimacy
Growing up with strict moral codes or purity culture that make you feel guilty for even thinking about sex
Trauma and past experiences:
Past sexual trauma that sneaks into your sexual experiences whether you like it or not
Recovery from sexual abuse or assault
Infidelity recovery and rebuilding sexual trust
Relationship and identity dynamics:
Communication breakdowns around sex and intimacy
Exploring kink, BDSM, or non-monogamous relationships
Sexual identity exploration and coming out concerns
Navigating changing sexual needs in long-term relationships
Neurodivergent dynamics like ADHD and autism affecting intimacy
What Sex Therapy Can Help You Achieve
You can enjoy sex without running a full mental spreadsheet of performance, timing, and "am I doing this right?"
Desire feels mutual and natural (and yes, sometimes messy or silly)
You feel confident expressing your wants and boundaries
Intimacy is playful, exciting, and connected—sometimes downright fun
Sexual satisfaction doesn't feel like a rare event on the calendar
Trauma, guilt, or shame doesn't get to control the remote
You and your partner can talk about sex without awkwardness or conflict
Your body feels like a source of pleasure instead of stress
What this looks like in practice:
Trauma-informed and systems-based - With over two decades of experience, I recognize how past experiences, family patterns, religious trauma, and adverse events shape sexual expression and intimacy. We move at your pace.
Inclusive of all relationship structures - LGBTQIA+ affirming, kink-aware, poly-friendly, and experienced with consensual non-monogamy. Not just a rainbow sticker — actual expertise in diverse relationship dynamics.
Neurodivergent-affirming - I understand how ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent traits affect intimacy, communication, sensory experiences, and sexual expression. Your brain isn't broken; it just works differently.
Evidence-based and practical - I use proven approaches including Gottman Method, Sensate Focus exercises, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques tailored to your unique needs.
Collaborative and personalized - Helping you find solutions that actually fit your life, your relationship, and your values—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
My Approach
Hi, I’m Elizabeth. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized training in sex therapy, helping individuals and couples throughout North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia navigate sexual concerns of all kinds.
I bring over 26 years of systems training and trauma work, so I understand how intimacy is shaped by family, stress, and life's curveballs.
I work with relationships that don't fit the "traditional mold," including polyamorous, kink, ENM, and LGBTQIA+ partnerships. I also help partners navigate neurodivergent dynamics like ADHD and autism — because sometimes brains just don't line up the way you'd expect, and that's okay.
This is a welcoming, inclusive space where you can be yourself fully, free from judgment or external pressures.
My approach is collaborative, affirming, and grounded in the belief that sexual health is part of overall health — and yes, we can laugh along the way, because sometimes sex is messy, weird, and fun.
What to Expect in Sex Therapy
Let me address the elephant in the room: You stay fully clothed. There is no physical contact. Sex therapy is talk therapy.
Here's what actually happens:
We start with conversation—about your history, concerns, relationship dynamics, and goals. I'll ask questions that might feel vulnerable, but we go at your pace. Many clients are nervous in the first session, and that's completely normal.
From there, we might explore communication skills, address emotional blocks, work through past trauma, or introduce exercises you can try at home with your partner (or solo). The goal is always to help you reconnect with pleasure, confidence, and intimacy on your terms.
Sessions are conducted via secure telehealth video from the comfort of your own home, serving clients throughout North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Therapy
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Sex therapy involves specialized training in sexual health, physiology, and intimacy concerns. While many therapists avoid detailed sexual discussions, sex therapists are trained to address these topics directly, comfortably, and clinically.
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Couples therapy focuses on communication, conflict resolution, and emotional closeness. Sex therapy includes all of that but adds expertise in the physiological, psychological, and relational factors that affect intimacy.
Where couples therapy might notice "we don't feel connected," sex therapy explores why: mismatched desire, arousal or orgasm challenges, painful sex, shame, or unresolved trauma.
Sex therapists don't just tell you to "talk about it" — or just have sex. We provide practical, research-based strategies so the "awkward conversation" actually leads somewhere useful.
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Not necessarily. Many clients start with individual sessions to explore their own relationship with sex before involving a partner. I work with both individuals and couples depending on your needs.
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It depends on your plan. I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Sex therapy is often coded as general psychotherapy, though some insurance companies have restrictions. Contact me to discuss your specific situation.
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Item descriptionThat's one of the most common concerns, and it's completely valid. Most of my clients feel nervous initially. I'm trained to discuss these topics matter-of-factly and create a space where embarrassment fades quickly. We'll start slowly and build comfort together.
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Absolutely. I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming and have experience working with diverse identities, orientations, and relationship structures.
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Yes. I'm kink-aware and experienced with consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, and alternative relationship structures.
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Yes. I understand how ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent traits uniquely impact intimacy, sensory experiences, communication styles, and sexual expression. I tailor my approach to work with how your brain actually functions.